The Development of a Model to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Applied Sport Psychology Practice

Abstract

Recent developments in UK sport have seen unprecedented funding made available to the development of performance and excellence (Sport England, 1999). Integral to these developments has been the provision of sports science support, including applied sport p ychology practice (UKSC, 1998). As a result, applied sport psychology practice has grown and sport p ychologist have been moving towards new professional status. With this profe sional status come demands for higher levels of accountability and in order to fulfil these demands sport psychologists must be willing and able to take responsibility for evaluating the services they provide (Weigand, et al., 1999). However, consideration of the literature and current national developments suggests that the formal evaluation of practice is not customary (Hardy & Jones, 1994). Indeed the need for effective evaluation has been recogni ed a one of the mo t pressing in applied sport psychology (Grove et al., 1999; trean, 1998). The aim of this research was to propose, develop and evaluate an appropriate model to evaluate the effectiveness of applied sport psychology practice. In order to propose an appropriate model it was important to consider the nature of applied sport psychology practice and the fundamental reasons for undertaking evaluation. A key characteristic of the proposed model is its functional nature, that is, it aims to document effectiveness, facilitate improvement and fit with the demands of practice. Thus, the model presented is practitioner-led and includes a case study design incorporating a battery of effectiveness indicators to be assessed at appropriate times and used in triangulation. Further, it was advocated that the criteria for effectiveness be determined by the idiosyncrasies of each individual consultation. Instruments to assess the specific effectiveness indicators identified in the model were developed. Specifically, measures of the athlete's adherence to mental skills training, subjective evaluation of performance, social validity assessment and evaluation of the sport psychologist's effectiveness were produced. Additionally, a measure to assess changes in the athlete's psychological skills was examined and a reflective practice model developed to facilitate the sport psychologist's self-evaluation of practice. The credibility of each of these instruments was also considered and it was proposed that each instrument may be used in practice. Finally, initial evaluation of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the evaluation model proposed was undertaken. Specifically, feedback from practising sport psychologists through conference presentations and a formal survey was considered. The findings suggested that the model is apt and generally consistent with current practice, although areas for development were identified. Although this initial evaluation was encouraging, the need for more formal and in-depth feedback was recognised. This research proposed, developed and evaluated a model to evaluate the effectiveness of applied sport psychology. It was recognised that there is room to further develop and refine the model and examine its application into practice. Further, there is a need to promote the model and the research findings to influence and facilitate the development of appropriate evaluation and quality assurance practices in the UK that will enhance the development of a credible profession of applied sport psychologists.

Date of Award	Sept 1999
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Coventry University University College Worcester
Supervisor	Andrew Miles (Supervisor), Paul Robinson (Supervisor), Craig Mahoney (Supervisor), Frank Sanderson (Supervisor), Frank Crompton (Supervisor) & Caroline Menadue (Supervisor)